i have been surprised by how quickly i have rediscovered pajama days. sitting in front of my computer, reading a novel, taking hot showers just because i can’t keep warm in this drafty old house. it’s easy to have one pajama become two pajama days, particularly when there’s facebook.com and a chicago snowstorm.
for my friends who say that they've never seen snow. it comes down hard and fast and then has to be shoved aside by trucks. when i took this picture the driver stopped and asked if i wanted his autograph. i should have taken it because the folks who plow the snow away really are heroes.
i have realized that for all of my travels last year–thirteen countries, 292 friends, and so much love and support–i know that it’s really easy for me to fall back into bad habits of staying home. if i do it any longer, i will end up right back into the cycle of having panic attacks, being scared i’ll have a panic attack if i go out, and then not going out of my house because of that possibility of the panic attack. so this morning, i started off with a two hour run in the forest. . .
along the forest path, i met a cross country skier named harry who took my picture--it's hard to see, but there were deer in back of me. i think humans look pretty ridiculous to deer. like, why do those animals run on two feet when they have four perfectly fine hooves?
on wednesday i leave for the first of my 2012 f2fb trips. east, right into the path of more snow. it’s going to be good to force myself out of the house. although the pajamas feel so comfortable and the pillows so soft. . .
arlynnpresser 
January 23rd, 2012 at 5:45 pm
I’m struggling with the same problem lately, only the fear has overwhelmed me to the point where going out to the places I normally would be comfortable with are suddenly terrifying and foreign again. You’re my inspiration to get out this week, no matter what it takes!
January 23rd, 2012 at 8:09 pm
get out, get out, get out whatever it takes! i’m your cheerleader for that. and i think you’re wonderful!!!
January 24th, 2012 at 9:35 pm
Thank you so much, Arlynn! I have not gone out yet, but I’m heading out now. Wishing you the best of luck on your next trip! I’m excited to hear more. 🙂
March 12th, 2012 at 4:54 pm
Dear Arlynn,
You are a true hero!!
I LOVE your courage – Feel the fear and do it anyway, way to go!!!
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Love